FAQ

This consultation seeks feedback from the community (residents/businesses/visitors) on the Draft Footpath Trading Policy which will inform the finalisation of the Policy and the development of the associated Footpath Trading Operating Guidelines.

For the purposes of the draft Policy, Footpath Trading includes: 

• Outdoor Dining
• Display of Merchandise
• Planter boxes and other displays

• Walkway Zone
• Trading Activity Zone (area for business merchandising and outdoor dining)
• Kerbside zone.

It is proposed that, ideally, the Walkway Zone is located against the building line to ensure a continuous accessible path of travel and to provide the best possible guidance line for all users including persons with vision impairment. 

However, it is acknowledged that in some locations this may be impractical to achieve, so the Policy provides an alternative arrangement by considering the placement of business trading along the building line provided there is a continuous accessible path of travel for the length of the block.  This reinforces the need to ensure that they walkway is in a consistent location and safe and predicable for all pedestrians. This new option meets with disability access requirements.

The proposed Footpath Trading Operating Guidelines have not yet been developed and will be informed by the feedback received from the community as part of this consultation.

The proposed Operating Guidelines will  assist with the assessment and ongoing management of Footpath Trading Permits. It is intended the Guidelines will include more detailed information on matters such as safety, seating criteria, setbacks, design and appearance, screens and blinds and planter boxes.

The Guidelines will also be reproduced in a user-friendly format to better assist local businesses in their consideration of footpath trading.

Yes, as these permits are a requirement of the Local Government Act 1999, most other councils have similar policies and processes in place to manage permits for business trading on public land.

These do vary as each council's circumstances are different:  those with main streets tend to have more rigourous and specific policies to manage the competing demands on these spaces, along with mitigating safety and access concerns.

Interested businesses will be required to complete an application form and provide payment of any associated fees, noting Council has determined that there will be no fees for new Footpath Trading applications in 2018/19.

The application will also need to include a public liability insurance certificate of currency for the proposed operation and a detailed drawing of the location of any outdoor dining or business merchandising.

On receipt of the completed application form, Council will undertake a thorough assessment of the application, ensuring safety and access requirements are met and that the proposal is consistent with the Footpath Trading Policy and associated Guidelines.

Once the final Footpath Trading Policy and Guidelines have been endorsed by Council, businesses will be notified in writing and this will include instructions on how to obtain a permit and associated timeframes.

For 2018/19 year, Council will not charge a fee for new Footpath Trading applications (outdoor dining and display of merchandise) in 2018/19

For renewals of existing permits 2018/19

-  Display of merchandise: flat fee of $61.50 per annum

-  Outdoor Dining: per square meter cost as follows:

• $0.95/sq metre/week (retail precinct with liquor)
• $0.55/sq metre/week (retail precinct without liquor)
• $0.90/sq metre/week (commercial precinct with liquor)
• $0.45/sq metre/week (commercial precinct without liquor)

If a business has a current approval in place, your existing permit and conditions remain in place until the specified expiration date of the permit.

Once the Footpath Trading Policy is approved by Council, all renewal or new applications will be assessed against the new Policy and associated Guidelines.

Footpath trading permits are annual.  However, to simplify the renewal process (should your conditions stay the same) an option is provided to tick a box, send a new Public Liability Certificate and pay the nominated fee.

Yes.  As per the Local Government Act 1999, Section 222 – permits for business purposes (1) A person must not use a public road* for business purpose unless authorised to do so by a permit.  The permit system is the approval process for Footpath Trading to occur.

*Please note:  Footpaths are deemed to be public roads as per legislation.

If this is the case, Council will endeavour to work with the business to ensure a permit is in place.  If the business continues to use the footpath without a permit, Council may consider issuing an expiation/s or can remove the displays/trading furniture.

Access and safety is important for businesses, residents and visitors to the Unley area alike. 

In 1992 the Federal Government passed legislation to make it against the law to discriminate on the grounds of disability in relation to access to ‘premises’ used by the public.  A footpath is considered to fall under the definition of ‘premises’.

Council therefore has an obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure that footpaths provide a continuous accessible path of travel. 

During the review of the Business trading related policies, the Council engaged the services of 2 separate independent experts to provide advice and assess the draft Policy.  These recommendations have been specifically addressed and incorporated into the draft Footpath Trading Policy.

Yes.  The draft Footpath Trading Policy includes minimum guidelines for the width of the walkway zone, trading activity zone and kerb zone.  These guidelines ensure that the Council complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Council will work towards a favourable outcome for all, however it may be in some cases the width of the footpath does not lend itself to Street Trading. 

Generally speaking, no.  To ensure a continuous accessible path of travel only one side can be offered (preferably the building line) and Council will consider a block by block approach to this. 

This may be reconsidered where there is an unusually wide footpath area.

Council will take a strategic approach in determining the preferred location of the trading activity area on a block-by-block basis.  This approach will take into consideration the needs of existing business, existing infrastructure as well as pedestrian access and safety considerations.  Council will make the final decision.

Council will take a consistent approach in determining location, this could include size , traffic conditions and other safety concerns.

The final decision will be at the discretion of Council.

Yes, if items are going to be placed on a public footpath, a permit is required from Council in accordance with section 222 of the Local Government Act 1999. 

Potentially, with the new policy it may offer some extra flexibility but  as a general rule a 60km speed limit road will not be applicable for outdoor dining without the installation of crash protection bollards. Similarly, a footpath with a width less than 2400mm is unlikely to provide sufficient width for outdoor dining.

Council has an existing By-Law governing moveable signs (available on Council's website).  However, an assessment of a street trading application will need to also take into account the location of the A-Frame Signage to ensure a continuous accessible path of travel. 

It protects against claims of personal injury or property damage that a third party may suffer (or claim to have suffered) as a result of a business activity.

Council takes no responsibility for items placed on Community land

Section 222 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires a business to have a permit if they wish to use a public road for business purposes. 

In addition, Council wishes to maintain the amenity value of public areas to help attract visitors to businesses in the area, while at the same time ensuring that these areas remain safe and accessible to all members of the public.

Council is not the authority that deals with people cycling on footpaths.  The South Australian Government has set the laws governing cycling on footpaths.  

Any complaints regarding the manner in which cyclists are using the footpath should be directed to the South Australian Police Department.

Yes, in general, a permit or permission from Council is required prior to placing any object on a public road or public place.

All comments received will be considered in the finalisation of the Footpath Trading Policy and will also inform the development of the associated Operating Guidelines.